The Lee County Library has joined with The ACMA (Americana Community Music Association), to offer free Acoustic concerts of all original music. Concerts will take place inside at the Captiva Memorial Library, 11560 Chapin Ln, Captiva, FL 33924
The ACMA is a Fort Myers based not for profit that promotes local artists who perform their own original songs. Come hear great original music and the stories behind the songs in an intimate Songwriters Showcase. Be prepared to enjoy an evening of professional quality acoustic Americana music. Americana music a coming together of blues, roots, folk and country.
Robert Bidney and Ray Cerbone
Robert Bidney is a singer / songwriter whose messages are as strong as his melodies. His music is relatable and has a strong commercial sensibility.
His songs have been covered by an eclectic group of recording artists around the world, plus his work has been on several national radio and TV commercials.
Bidney’s second album “Rush of Hope”, released in May 2019, addresses universal themes through a lens of optimism. With its message of love instead of hate, the music resonates in today’s social climate.
“Rush of Hope”, in its first few months after release, has received positive album reviews, airplay in the U.S., Scotland, Amsterdam and London.
A seasoned performer, Bidney connects with his audiences through his infectious energy and emotional performances.
He is an active member of the Americana Community Music Association and lives in Southwest Florida.
Ray Cerbone is one of the founding members of the Fort Myer’s ACMA (Americana Community Music Association), Ray began playing guitar during the early 70’s folk scene. With the support and inspiration of fellow local and touring musicians, he began writing and playing in earnest in 2010. Traveling a long road in a short time, his music encompasses many genres, including Americana, Folk, Blues, Ballads, and a little bit of Country. His storyteller style takes the listener to another place in time, his music and lyrics bringing evocative insights into the many sides of life. Ray is also a singer-songwriter’s song-singer. That is, he does interpretive covers of other great originals by little-known but very talented artists using his own creative touch. His inventive fingerstyle guitar is uniquely diverse and easy-on-the-ears.
Ray’s recently released CD, “How Much Time” has received glowing reviews and is being featured on KEOS Radio in Austin, Texas, 98.1 in S.Florida as well as others. He has shared the stage with Jaime Michaels, Pierce Pettis, Muriel Anderson, Rebecca Folsom, Jefferson Ross as well as Roy Schneider and Kim Mayfield (The Reckless Saints), and Robin O’Herin.
Ray fronted “The Apocalypse Blues Revue”. A hard hitting blues rock band formed by Shannon Larkin and Tony Rombola of “Godsmack” fame. The band was signed to Mascot/Provogue records and under that sign released two full length records, the first of which reached number two in the blues charts. Over 6 years the band played, blues festivals and blues venues on both coasts. They opened for Steven Tyler, Robbie Krieger of “The Doors”, The Blue Oyster Cult, and did two tours with Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
Ray is currently working on his second solo project which will once again cover the full range of “Americana” music!